The members of EuroLeague clubs are not backing the proposal to merge and create a single NBA Europe operation.
According to ESPN, this was the outcome of the rare meeting of the clubs in Italy, and it followed more than two years of NBA work on the new league. The EuroLeague clubs have their own plans and sources claim are getting ready to create an expansion plan of their own.
However, the rejection has no bearing on the NBA Europe plans as the 16-team league that could tip off as early as 2027-28.
The NBA has received bids for expansion franchises in cities across Europe, and it intends to build teams that go head-to-head with the EuroLeague for fans, media rights and sponsorship money.
ESPN further reported that another split in European basketball occurred in 2000-01, when a new league known as the ULEB broke away from the established FIBA-led league and the two had an uncomfortable, and unprofitable, divided season. The next year, the leagues combined so that both could survive and the modern EuroLeague was born.
NBA owners, who were briefed on the progress of NBA Europe during last month’s board of governors meeting in New York, are behind the new venture and are looking at it as a long-term play to create value.
“This is a 20-year project,” one owner told ESPN. “And that’s how we’re approaching it.”
According to high-ranking European basketball officials who have been involved in the negotiations, a significant number of the 13 permanent EuroLeague teams have expressed an interest in joining NBA Europe. It has led to a fractured situation with many different angles and teams looking to secure their present and future. For now, though, the coalition is holding against the NBA’s recruitment attempts. But negotiations are expected to continue, sources said.
The model the NBA has been interested in creating would allow teams to compete in their national leagues on desired weekend days and play in NBA Europe during the week, sources said. There would also be expanded rosters so teams can have the depth to play in multiple competitions with a focus on investing in European player development.
But the NBA’s proposal, which several European media outlets have described as a “buyout” offer for the EuroLeague, so far has been rejected.
Front Office Sports first reported EuroLeague’s rejection of the NBA’s proposal.
